Tolovana Inn

The Tolovana is spread out over a series of two- and three-story clapboard buildings, overlooking the beach. The lobby has the decor of a 1980s chain family restaurant, from the pink patchwork-patterned couch and fake flowers down to the stone fireplace. Still, with its amply sized brown leather chairs and free coffee corner, the space is a pleasant enough spot to relax after a long walk on the adjacent beach. The hotel gets a lot of family travelers -- likely due to its large rooms and affordable rates -- though it's a decent enough choice for couples not in dire need of romance, or groups of friends on a beachy weekend getaway.

The Tolovana Inn is located at the quiet south end of town, right on the beach. It's a five-minute drive (or half-hour walk) north to the main "downtown" area of Cannon Beach, home to lots of quaint art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. In addition to its sandy beach, Tolvana Beach State Recreation Site also has a kids' playground at the north side of the parking lot. Mo's Restaurant, a casual seafood joint, is just next door to the Inn. Cannon Beach is a 90-minute drive from Portland and about an hour and 45 minutes from the airport.

The Tolovana offers a wide range of rooms, from simple Standard Rooms for two, all the way up to Luxury Two-Bedroom Suites that can sleep up to six guests. All rooms have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free newspapers, and most have ocean views. King Standard Rooms also have microwaves and mini-fridges. Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom Suites have full kitchens with ovens, four-burner stoves, and small dining areas. The units resemble lightly furnished apartments, with wooden tables and cabinets, and living rooms with dark leather armchairs and gray fabric sofas, along with neutral grayish carpet with matching drapes. Many units also have small gas fireplaces. Bedrooms are snug and have small flat-screen TVs, plus attached bathrooms with large granite countertops and shower/tub combos. Ironing facilities, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries are provided. Many guests suggest upgrading to oceanfront options. Walls tend to be thin, allowing for traveling noise, but some third-floor rooms may be quieter. 

The Tolovana offers a great selection of amenities -- more than average for a Cannon Beach hotel of this category. Wi-Fi is free and there's free coffee in the lobby throughout the day. The hotel also offers a long indoor swimming pool, a simple adjacent whirlpool, and an adults-only sauna. Other features include a small but modern fitness center with a few cardio and weight machines; a gift shop selling sweatshirts and windbreakers; and a business corner with a computer and a printer for guest use. There's also a shuttle into town that stops just outside the hotel, which is useful as there's no on-site restaurant (although few people actually come to Cannon Beach without their own cars).